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Injured Rangers pitcher Lewis throws out first pitch

Injured Rangers pitcher Lewis throws out first pitch

ARLINGTON -- The Rangers, hoping to feed off some karma of past playoff success, asked pitcher Colby Lewis to throw out the ceremonial first pitch for Monday's tiebreaker game against the Rays.

"It means a lot," Lewis said. "I have been here four years and hopefully they can get something worked out and I can be here for a fifth year. It shows what kind of organization this is and where I want to be. So to get this opportunity when I'm just taking up locker space, it means a lot."

Lewis has been out the entire season while recovering from flexor tendon surgery. He was close to returning before deciding to undergo right hip replacement surgery and fix a problem that has been bothering him for several years. He is a free agent after the season but could end up re-signing with the Rangers.

Lewis is 4-1 with a 2.34 ERA in eight career postseason starts and 32-29 with a 3.93 ERA in 80 regular-season starts since signing with the Rangers in 2010.

"It means a tremendous amount to have him," manager Ron Washington said. "We weren't sure Colby would be able to walk after his surgery. He came around with a cane and that lasted one day. The guys started riding him. He walked around with a bat for a couple of days and then threw that away. If there is anybody who has shown heart, fire, grit, passion, courage, it's Colby."